Best DUI & DWI Lawyers in Arta

About DUI & DWI Law in Arta, Greece

In Greece, including the city and regional unit of Arta, drunk or drug-impaired driving is regulated by the Greek Road Traffic Code and related criminal provisions. While English speakers often say DUI or DWI, Greek law typically refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Enforcement is handled on the road by the Hellenic Police, including the Traffic Police of Arta, and cases are prosecuted in the local criminal courts.

Greek law sets blood alcohol concentration limits and prohibits driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. Officers rely on roadside breath screening and evidentiary breath tests, with blood tests used in hospitals when needed. Refusing a lawful test can itself be a criminal offense. Penalties can include fines, license suspension, a criminal record, vehicle immobilization, and in serious or repeat cases jail time. The process can move quickly under the in-flagrante procedure known as autophoro when a driver is caught at the time of the offense.

If you live in Arta, commute through Epirus, or visit as a tourist, it is important to understand that enforcement is active throughout the year, including during holidays and local festivals. Professional drivers, motorcyclists, and new drivers are subject to stricter limits. Even small amounts of alcohol may lead to sanctions if impairment is observed.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer in Arta after a DUI-related stop or arrest for several reasons. A lawyer can assess whether the police stop and testing complied with legal standards, advise you on statements to avoid self-incrimination, and represent you during the fast-track autophoro procedure if you are brought before a prosecutor or court within hours of the arrest.

Legal help is especially important when there is an accident with injuries or property damage, when you face allegations of refusing to submit to testing, when you are a repeat offender, or when you hold a professional or commercial license that could be suspended. If you are a tourist or hold a foreign license, a lawyer can explain how Greek sanctions affect your ability to drive and how a suspension may be recognized outside Greece.

A lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors, prepare mitigation materials, challenge unreliable test results, seek alternative outcomes where available, and guide you through parallel administrative actions such as license suspension and points on your driving record. Counsel can also address insurance coverage disputes that can arise from intoxication exclusions.

Local Laws Overview

Legal limits: For most drivers in Greece the per se limit is 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood or 0.25 milligrams per liter of breath. Stricter limits apply to motorcyclists, new drivers with limited driving experience, and professional drivers, where the per se limit is 0.2 grams per liter of blood or 0.10 milligrams per liter of breath. Even below these thresholds, observable impairment can still lead to charges.

Testing procedures: Police in Arta may conduct roadside checks and use screening devices. A positive screen is typically followed by an evidentiary breath test at the station. In some cases a blood test at a hospital may be used. You may be asked to sign paperwork and provide identification. The process and instruments used must meet legal standards for results to be admissible in court.

Refusal to test: Unjustified refusal to submit to a lawful breath or blood test is treated as a serious offense and can lead to immediate arrest, license suspension, fines, and criminal prosecution similar to driving over the legal limit.

Penalties: Sanctions escalate with higher alcohol readings, accidents, endangerment of others, or repeat offenses. Consequences can include administrative fines, demerit points on your driving record, temporary license suspension, vehicle immobilization or impoundment, mandatory education or awareness measures, and for higher alcohol levels or aggravating circumstances criminal penalties including a suspended or custodial sentence.

Drugs and combined influence: Driving under the influence of illicit drugs, misused prescription medication, or a combination of alcohol and drugs is prohibited. Testing may include saliva screening and confirmatory blood analysis. Penalties are comparable to alcohol-based offenses and can be aggravated when impairment is combined.

Court process in Arta: Many DUI cases proceed under the autophoro procedure when the driver is apprehended immediately after the offense. This can mean appearing before the prosecutor and a misdemeanor court on very short notice. Continuances may be possible to allow preparation. Administrative actions like license retention or suspension often begin immediately and may require separate challenges.

Insurance and civil liability: If an accident occurs, intoxication can affect insurance coverage and increase civil liability for damages. Insurers may seek recourse against the driver. Parallel criminal and civil matters can influence one another, so coordinated legal strategy is important.

Professional and foreign drivers: Professional drivers and holders of commercial licenses face stricter limits and potential employment consequences. Foreign and EU licenses can be seized for offenses committed in Greece and sanctions may have cross-border effects under applicable EU rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal alcohol limits in Arta, Greece?

For most drivers the limit is 0.5 g per liter of blood or 0.25 mg per liter of breath. For motorcyclists, new drivers, and professional drivers the limit is 0.2 g per liter of blood or 0.10 mg per liter of breath. Impairment at any level can still be prosecuted if it affects safe driving.

What happens during a roadside stop for suspected DUI?

Police will check your documents, look for signs of impairment, and may request a breath screening test. If the screen is positive or impairment is suspected, you may be taken for an evidentiary breath test and possibly a medical examination or blood test. Your license may be retained on the spot depending on the result.

Can I refuse a breathalyzer or blood test?

Refusal without a valid medical reason is a separate offense that can lead to immediate arrest, license suspension, fines, and prosecution. It is usually treated similarly to driving over the legal limit. Ask to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible, but do not expect refusal to avoid penalties.

Will I go to jail for a first DUI?

Jail is possible at higher alcohol levels, in cases of refusal, accidents, or aggravating circumstances. Many first offenders receive fines, license suspension, points, and a criminal record, with custodial sentences often suspended. Outcomes depend on the test result, conduct, and any harm caused.

How long can my license be suspended?

Suspension periods vary with the alcohol level, whether there was an accident, and prior history. Suspensions can range from short-term to several months or longer in serious or repeat cases. The police may retain your license immediately, and separate procedures apply to challenge or reduce the suspension.

What if I am a tourist or have a foreign license?

Greek authorities can seize a foreign license for violations committed in Greece and impose driving bans within Greece. EU-wide cooperation can lead to recognition of certain sanctions elsewhere. You should consult a lawyer promptly to understand cross-border implications and options for representation if you leave Greece.

Are field sobriety tests used in Greece?

Officers primarily rely on breath testing and clinical signs of impairment. Simple coordination checks may be used roadside, but evidentiary breath or blood testing is central. If there are medical concerns, ask that they be recorded and consider requesting a medical examination.

What about driving under the influence of drugs or medications?

Driving while impaired by illegal drugs or by medications that affect driving ability is prohibited. Police may use screening methods and seek confirmatory blood tests. Penalties are comparable to alcohol offenses and can be harsher if combined with alcohol or if an accident occurs.

Do I need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?

Yes. A lawyer can evaluate whether the stop and tests were lawful, identify defenses, negotiate charges or penalties, protect your record and license, and guide you through administrative and insurance issues. Even when admitting responsibility, proper advocacy can significantly affect the outcome.

How quickly will my case move in Arta?

If you are arrested at the scene, you may be brought before a prosecutor and court under the autophoro procedure within a short timeframe. Some cases are continued to a later date. Administrative actions like license suspension can start immediately, so early legal advice is critical.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Police - Traffic Police Department of Arta - For roadside enforcement information, accident reporting, and administrative procedures related to license retention or vehicle immobilization.

Public Prosecutor's Office of Arta - For information on criminal case processing and hearing schedules under the autophoro procedure.

Court of First Instance of Arta - Misdemeanor court handling DUI prosecutions and related hearings.

Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport - For national rules of the Road Traffic Code and driver licensing regulations.

Citizen Service Centers KEP in Arta - For guidance on administrative procedures, document requests, and certificates that may be needed for court.

Arta Bar Association - For referrals to local criminal defense lawyers experienced in traffic and DUI matters.

National Road Safety Council - For educational materials on impaired driving and road safety best practices.

Next Steps

If you have been stopped or charged with DUI in Arta, write down everything you remember about the stop, the timeline, the testing devices used, and any witnesses. Keep all paperwork provided by police, including any receipt for a retained license or vehicle documents. Do not drive until you are legally authorized to do so.

Contact a local lawyer as soon as possible. Ask about experience with DUI cases, availability for autophoro hearings, likely timelines, potential defenses, and fees. Share any medical conditions or medications that might have affected testing. Your lawyer can request records, challenge improper procedures, and represent you during both criminal and administrative proceedings.

Be mindful of short deadlines for contesting administrative actions. Coordinate with your insurer but avoid making detailed statements about alcohol or drug use before consulting counsel. If you are a visitor, discuss how to handle court appearances and whether a lawyer can appear on your behalf for certain steps. Taking action quickly can protect your license, reduce penalties, and improve your overall outcome.

This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Greece who practices in Arta.